Deriving from a French word meaning necessary, a right of estover conferred the ability to take limbs of timber for minor works to buildings, for making farm implements and hurdles, and as deadwood for fuel, or to take bracken and heather for bedding. At one time the right of estovers would have been a mainstay of rural communities, but its importance has declined through recent centuries. Nearly 22% of Welsh commons and 10% of English Commons have the right recorded, although its practice is probably now localised.